Age-appropriate orthodontic treatment and orthodontic risk management concerns for the pediatric dentist and orthodontist

The dental provider, regardless of specialty, who chooses to refer or treat young patients with developing malocclusions should appreciate the various risk management concerns that accompany “early orthodontic treatment” of any patient. Procedural protocols including records acquisition, the development of an adequate diagnosis, and the formulation and execution of an appropriate treatment plan that addresses the diagnostic findings, along with the various types of communications between the clinician, parents, referring and/or primary care dentist, form the core of the ethical and legal obligation to obtain “informed consent” from the patient’s health care decision maker. Performing a risk/benefit analysis and the use of evidence-based data are the elements required to support clinical treatment recommendations prior to their initiation.